Friday, January 30, 2009

Well, a step in the right direction folks! There has been a proposal made to stay the enforcement of some parts of the CPSIA! This is by no means the answer everyone is hoping for, but it could lead to Congress understanding that the law, as it is currently written, will destroy the cottage industry that creates items for children. Some provisions have been made for resale and thrift stores, now let's hope some provisions can be made for those who create clean, non-toxic, lovingly made toys, clothes and books for children in their homes!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

Bella Casa is holding a blog party and giveaway at her blog for Etsy Crafters. If you'd like to join in, simply hop on over and sign up. Leave a comment as well and have some fun! The party started Monday and will go through Friday, so there's still time to participate!

Monday, January 26, 2009

A bit of hope during a rough time. It's funny how a little thing can be a pick-me-up. This is a quiz Chris Beads had on her blog and I thought I would try it out and share it.

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

I felt like the old look was getting just that, old. I also wanted color without it being a pink mess and thought this red look very nice. It doesn't really go with my theme as much, but I like it a lot better. I'm going to continue to clean up the widgets and see if I can't make it look at little more professional.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

I missed my own Etsy Anniversary! It was on Tuesday and needless to say, I wasn't paying much attention since the world was watching the inauguration! Anyway, to celebrate my anniversary, I am offering free shipping on everything in my shop through Sunday, January 25th at midnight (EST). So, come on in and see what I have to offer! I'm sure you can find something for yourself or for your sweetheart for Valentine's Day...it is coming up quick!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tim from Timothy Adam Designs has started a new blog called Handmadeology. This blog will be a fountain of information and tips for selling your art online! I am really excited to see what ideas he'll be posting as he is a very successful artist. His sales are over well over 1,000 on Etsy alone. I know from reading his blog that he will have a lot of great ideas to share. I would like to be much more successful with my art and know that following the advice of someone who is already doing well can only make my shop better!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Saturday, January 10, 2009

This scarf is in a plain knit stitch using 67% wool/33% rayon from bamboo blend in gorgeous turquoise, green and purple.

This knit and purl stitched baby blanket is me channeling my mom. She knit baby blankets for the NICU of her local hospital. Hers were much prettier, but she would have loved this bright yarn of 100% acrylic. I was so happy with how this turned out that I thought I might add it to my shop, but with the CPSIA passing and going into effect on February 10, I guess I won't be doing that.

The partial piece is the one I'm working on now. It's a wonderfully soft "Spa" yarn of 75% microdenier acrylic and 25% bamboo green sheen.

I always hated knitting when I was younger because I just didn't have the patience and would constantly drop stitches or somehow add them. I've gotten better. Probably has something to do with being much older and definitely more patient!

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

I have opened an Art Fire shop. I am hoping the additional exposure will get my beadwork more noticed. I only have a couple pieces in there so far, but I will be working on more new pieces to add over the next few days.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Have you checked out the beautiful Items of the Week from the Bead Art Originals Team? Be sure to at our blog: http://beadartoriginals.blogspot.com. Be sure to click on all the artists on the team...talk about gorgeous art!